While Russia’s invasion operation against Ukraine is on the agenda of the world, NATO continues its military exercise organized at a point close to Russian territory. The exercise, which was held in Norway with the participation of approximately 30 thousand soldiers from 27 countries, will last for 2 months.
The “Cold Response 2022” exercise, which will continue throughout March and April, is attended by NATO allies from Europe and North America, as well as soldiers from alliance partners Sweden and Finland.
BRITISH COMMANDOS ALSO ATTENDED
In the exercise of air, land and sea elements, the soldiers are training in cold weather conditions and difficult terrain.
The British Royal Marines Commando unit also participated in the exercise.
“AGAINST THE ATTACK ON NORWAY…”
Stating that the exercise was conducted on the scenario of an attack on Norway, NATO said, “The exercise demonstrates NATO’s ability to deploy tens of thousands of forces to the North, while strengthening the eastern part of the Alliance to protect NATO against any aggression.” .
“The exercise provides NATO allies and partners the opportunity to train together in cold weather conditions on challenging terrain.
“Cold Response 2022 considers a fictional scenario in which Norway is attacked and NATO’s collective defense clause Article 5 applies.”
RUSSIA REJECTED THE INVITATION TO EXERCISES
NATO announced that the exercise was observed by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and that Russia was also invited to the exercise, but Russia refused the invitation. NATO declared that “NATO allies are transparent in their exercises and respect their international commitments. Observers from all OSCE members were invited to Cold Intervention 2022, but Russia refused the invitation.” (AA)
